Edelstein

Edelstein
Biographical information
Status	Deceased
Gender	Male
Occupation(s)	Doctor
Affiliation(s)	FEDRA (formerly) Kansas City QZ
Resides	Kansas City, Missouri
Hair color	Gray
Eye color	Brown
Behind the scenes
Appears in	HBO's The Last of Us (season 1)
Portrayed by	John Getz

Doctor Edelstein is a supporting character in the first season of HBO's The Last of Us. He was a doctor for the Kansas City quarantine zone, treating both civilian and FEDRA patients in the 20 years since the outbreak.

Quick Answers

What role does Doctor Edelstein play in the first season of HBO's The Last of Us?

In the first season of HBO's The Last of Us, Doctor Edelstein is a key supporting character. He works as a medical practitioner in the Kansas City quarantine zone, providing care to civilian and FEDRA patients for 20 years after the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak.

Provided by: Community

What was Doctor Edelstein's profession before the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak?

Doctor Edelstein was a medical professional prior to the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak. Post-outbreak, he served in the Kansas City quarantine zone, providing medical care to both civilians and FEDRA patients. Among his responsibilities, he presided over labor and delivery, stating that he helped deliver Kathleen Coghlan as a baby.

Provided by: Community

Why was Doctor Edelstein killed?

Doctor Edelstein was killed by Kathleen Coghlan for protecting Henry Burrel, a FEDRA collaborator responsible for Kathleen's brother's death. Edelstein helped hide Henry and his brother Sam when the Kansas City resistance violently overthrew FEDRA, and refused to give up their whereabouts to Kathleen.

Provided by: Community

Biography

Background

Edelstein was a medical doctor who helped deliver Kathleen Coghlan as a baby. After the Cordyceps brain infection outbreak, Edelstein made it to the Kansas City quarantine zone, and began working for the Federal Disaster Response Agency as a doctor.

One of his patients, a FEDRA officer, provided the location of a safehouse in the outskirts of the city. However, the city's rebels eventually killed the officer, along with the other FEDRA soldiers. This location was where the doctor, Henry, and Sam took refuge after the FEDRA government collapsed in the city. 10 days after the revolution that overthrew FEDRA, Edelstein left their hiding spot to attempt to find additional food, where he was captured by the city's resistance.

Events of HBO's The Last of Us

In 2023, Kathleen interrogated Edelstein for information on the whereabouts of any remaining FEDRA collaborators in the city. Edelstein insisted he did not know anything, let alone where Henry Burrell was. Growing impatient, Kathleen aimed her pistol at his head. Edelstein pleaded with her, reminding her that he delivered her as a baby. The sound of trucks outside distracted Kathleen, causing her come across a dying resistance fighter, one of Bryan's companions. She asked the other rebels present if a doctor could save the man, but was told that it would be of no use. So, when she returned to Edelstein's cell, she executed him with a single shot to the head.

Physical appearance

Edelstein was an elderly man with a white beard and balding white hair. He also carried a flashlight and a pistol.

Behind the scenes

• Edelstein is portrayed by American character actor John Getz.

Gallery

Official stills

Appearances

• HBO's The Last of Us
  • Season 1
    • Episode 4: "Please Hold to My Hand" (first appearance)
    • Episode 5: "Endure and Survive"